(The Associated Press circulated the following on February 7.)
Agency: Department of Transportation
Spending: $57.5 billion
Percentage change from 2005: -1 percent
Mandatory outlays: $1.2 billion
Total spending: $58.7 billion
Highlights:
–Would eliminate Amtrak’s operating subsidy and set aside $360 million to run trains along the Northeast Corridor if the railroad ceases operating; the agency received $1.2 billion this year in operating subsidy and capital investment.
–Would cut airport spending for relieving congestion and improving safety by 13.6 percent, or $472 million, from $3.5 billion.
–Would increase spending for a new Transportation Department headquarters building by 49 percent, to $100 million from $67 million.
President Bush has consistently proposed cutting Amtrak funding, and Congress just as consistently has given the passenger railroad close to what it says it needs to keep running.
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said the administration would support more money for Amtrak if Congress restructures it.
“The current model of passenger rail service is flawed and unsustainable,” Mineta said in a news conference.
Amtrak President David Gunn issued a statement to employees calling the proposal “irresponsible and a surprising disappointment.”
“They have no plan for Amtrak other than bankruptcy,” Gunn said.
Bush would put highway spending on autopilot, with a 1 percent increase in federal highway aid this year. More spending on popular road construction projects would require passage of the highway bill, which is more than a year overdue because of an impasse between Congress and the administration over spending levels.
Bush is proposing to hire about 600 new air traffic controllers, and to allow the Federal Aviation Administration to replace the estimated 650 controllers who will retire or leave the agency in 2006.